DODEA European Wrestling: Ramstein and Naples Reign Supreme, Signaling a Bright Future
Wiesbaden, Germany – The 2026 DODEA European wrestling championships concluded on February 7th, with Ramstein High School continuing its dominance in Division I and Naples High School securing a fourth consecutive title in Division II. These victories highlight not only the strength of these programs but also the growing competitiveness within DODEA wrestling, pointing towards a promising future for the sport.
Division I: Ramstein’s Continued Excellence
Ramstein amassed an impressive 334.5 points, comfortably ahead of Stuttgart (253.5) and Kaiserslautern (133). This continued success is built on a tradition of strong coaching and dedicated athletes. Rhys Barlow, a Ramstein wrestler, exemplified this, completing a perfect 26-0 season with a win at 150 pounds. Despite acknowledging this year’s team wasn’t as powerful as previous iterations, Barlow emphasized the program’s ability to maintain a winning tradition.
“Two years ago, that wrestling generation was really strong, really powerful,” Barlow said. “This year wasn’t as good in every weight class as back then, but next year, they’ll be more competition in lower weight classes.”
Division II: Naples’ Four-Peat
Naples High School clinched their fourth straight mid-sized school title with 103.5 points, narrowly defeating Rota (95.5) and Aviano (89). Remarkably, Naples achieved this feat without a single individual champion, demonstrating the power of a well-rounded team and consistent performance across all weight classes.
“It was really tough this year,” Naples captain Julian Parker stated. “We had a lot of new wrestlers, but through training and just trusting our coaches, we were able to come out on top.”
Division III: Alconbury’s Rising Strength
In Division III, Alconbury secured their second consecutive championship with 66.5 points, followed by Hohenfels with 22 points. This demonstrates a growing level of competition in the smaller schools, suggesting a broader expansion of wrestling talent within DODEA.
Individual Highlights and Emerging Talent
Several individual performances stood out during the championships. Nate Greene of Ramstein secured his second European title at 132 pounds, expressing confidence in the program’s continued success. “I feel like it’s going to keep running on,” Greene said. “We have great coaches, great staff, and they just push us all. I believe the rest of the underclassmen can strive for their victories as well.”
Other notable winners included Matthew Iglesias Rodriguez of Rota at 120 pounds, who avenged a previous loss to Vilseck’s Cael Rowley, and Stuttgart’s Linus Soto, who upset the defending champion at 285 pounds. These victories showcase the depth of talent and the potential for future stars within the DODEA wrestling community.
The Importance of Coaching and Team Dynamics
Throughout the championships, the importance of strong coaching and positive team dynamics was repeatedly emphasized. Naples’ success despite lacking an individual champion underscores the value of a cohesive team effort and effective training. Similarly, Ramstein’s continued dominance highlights the benefits of a well-established program with experienced coaches.
Looking Ahead: A Growing Sport
The 2026 DODEA European wrestling championships demonstrated the health and vitality of the sport within the DODEA system. The continued success of established programs like Ramstein and Naples, coupled with the emergence of new contenders like Alconbury, suggests a bright future for DODEA wrestling. The dedication of athletes, coaches, and supporting staff will undoubtedly continue to drive the sport forward.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Which school won the Division I wrestling championship? Ramstein High School.
- How many consecutive titles has Naples won in Division II? Four.
- Who won the 150-pound weight class? Rhys Barlow of Ramstein.
- Did Naples have any individual champions? No, Naples won the team title without an individual champion.
Pro Tip: Consistent training, a positive team environment, and strong coaching are key ingredients for success in DODEA wrestling.
Did you understand that wrestling is one of the oldest and most respected combat sports in the world, with roots tracing back thousands of years?
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